Cambodian Police Reject Thai Media Claims Over Detention, Cite Online Scam Crackdown

PHNOM PENH, May 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s national police have rejected what they called “false and baseless” reports in Thai media concerning the detention of Thai nationals during a recent crackdown on an alleged online scam operation in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province.

In a statement, the General Commissariat of the National Police said claims that Thai citizens were improperly detained were inaccurate.

Authorities said the raid targeted a suspected transnational crime network operating from a 13‑storey building near the Thai border.

Police reported that 635 Thai nationals, including 359 women, were found at the site and held in connection with alleged illegal activities.

Officials insisted the operation followed legal procedures and that those detained were not mistreated.

Cambodian authorities said they coordinated closely with Thai counterparts to arrange the “safe and dignified” return of those involved.

The statement accused some Thai media outlets of spreading misleading information intended to “distort facts” and damage the reputation of Cambodia’s law enforcement agencies, warning such reporting could undermine bilateral cooperation against transnational crime.